Register for Day Camp Christmas Tree
Summer 2024
Registration is Now Open
Use the button below to register for Day Camp Christmas Tree.
SPF Has You Covered!
Our new Summer Program Finder (SPF) helps you see available program options based on ages, interests, and locations.
Bussing and Care
Before and After Care provides your camper with supervised activities before and after the program day's end and getting to camp is easy with our bus options.
Traditional Options
Traditional Day Camp
Traditional camp is about exploration and discovery. Campers will explore by hiking, studying the wonder of nature, building connections through teamwork, and conquering many challenges under the leadership of well-trained staff. It exposes participants to various activities, including archery, fort building, tie-dye, gaga ball, swimming, nature studies, paddling, arts and crafts, cookouts, group games, and more. Campers will participate in some, but not all, of these activities, depending on their age and camp locations. Each camper will leave camp with a wide range of memories and experiences!
Grades 1–6 | $309 ($339 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $185 ($203 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
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Aug 19-23
Wee Backpackers
The Wee Backpacker program aims to continue fostering a love and appreciation for the outdoors. Campers sing songs, tell stories, and play games while beginning to experience the variety of activities camp has to offer. Wee Backpackers maintains a low staff-to-child ratio.
Grade K | $329 ($359 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $197 ($215 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
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Aug 19-23
Summer Extravaganza
Summer Extravaganza is the last chance to enjoy the great outdoors at camp before summer ends! All available activities are jam-packed into a single session.
Grades 1–8 | $339 ($359 non-member)
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Aug 26–30
Arts and Imagination
Arts and Crafts
Participants discover their artistic side and let their imaginations soar. Projects may include sketching, painting, collage, beadwork, and more. Participants create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 15–19
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 12–16
Grades 4– | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 24–28
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July 8–12
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July 22–26
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 19-23
Dragons, Fairies and Friends
Participants let their imaginations soar in this magical fairytale-themed activity. Adventures will include themed arts and crafts, a mystical quest, and a royal celebration!
Grade K | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 22–26
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Aug 12–16
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 15–19
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 12–16
Pirates
Arrrrrgh! Young buccaneers learn the swashbuckling lingo of pirates, play games like Capture the Pirate Flag, try their balancing skills as they walk the plank, go on treasure hunts, and much more.
Grade K | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 8–12
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 19–23
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 24–28
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July 8–12
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July 22–26
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 19-23
Superheros
BAM! POW! KAZAM! Kids think, dress, and act like superheroes! Activities include super games, super crafts, and super fun. Where else can kids spend the day exploring their superpowers as their alter-ego superheroes, meet other superheroes and save the world?
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 15–19
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 12–16
Theater
Kids free their imaginations and develop improvisational skills! Participants explore the theater world through games, acting exercises, script rehearsals, and even performing for an audience.
Grades 4–6 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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July 22–26
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Aug 5–9
Horse Camp
Lil' Pardners
Participants in this specialty camp will have our youngest campers saying "howdy" with big grins. They'll spend a part of each day at the horse stables and say "giddy-up" for a pony ride, a hayride, and campfire sing-a-longs in the great outdoors!
Grades 1–3 | $379 ($409 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $227 ($245 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
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Aug 19-23
Colts
Colts is an approximately one-hour-per-day introductory program for campers with little or no experience around horses. First-time riders will build confidence and skills while learning the basics of western horseback riding. Instruction includes safety, leading, mounting, dismounting, reining, and basic riding. Kids spend the remainder of the day in traditional camp activities.
Grades 3–6 | $499 ($529 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $299 ($317 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
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Aug 19-23
Buckaroos
Buckaroos is an intermediate program for campers with at least one year of riding experience. Approximately two hours of daily instruction includes a basic skill review, intermediate ring riding, trotting, grooming, and saddling. The remainder of the day is spent in traditional camp activities.
Grades 4–7 | $499 ($529 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $299 ($317 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
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Aug 19-23
Circle Y
In Circle Y Camp, experienced riders spend ten hours per week in advanced riding instruction, including mounting, trotting, and ring work. Riders also learn about proper horse care, such as feeding, grooming, and saddling.
Grades 6–9 | $869 ($899 non-member)
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June 10–21
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June 24–July 3* | $782 ($809 non-member)
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July 8–19
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July 22–Aug 2
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Aug 5–16
*No program July 4–5.
Nature and Science
Critters and Crawlers
Participants become “Eco-Explorers” as they investigate the natural surroundings at camp. We will take nature treks to explore our camp environment and search for signs of local wildlife. Activities include bug safaris, nature hunts, and more!
Grade K | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 24–28
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July 15–19
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Aug 5–9
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 24–28
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July 8–12
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July 22–26
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Aug 5–9
Farm and Garden
Participants discover how plants, animals, soil, and people work together to produce the food we eat daily.
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 19-23
Farm to Table
In Farm to Table Camp, campers will learn harvesting techniques and culinary skills to help them prepare and cook recipes from the garden to the table. Campers will spend a portion of their time tending to garden and farm needs before learning how to interpret when vegetables are ripe, how to pick them correctly, and culinary skills to complete a recipe. Campers can try each dish with fellow campers and take the recipe collection home from the week.
Grades 4–6 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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July 22–26
Fish, Frogs, and Forts
Filled with exploration and environmental education, we’ll focus on fort-building and discovering insects, fish, and frogs. Campers will take one field trip (weather permitting) to a local lake to learn basic fishing skills while practicing the catch-and-release method for shore fishing.
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 8–12
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July 22–26
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 19-23
Lake Exploration
Participants become “Eco-Explorers” as they investigate the natural surroundings at camp. We will take nature treks to explore our camp environment and search for signs of local wildlife. Activities include bug safaris, nature hunts, and more!
Grades 4–6 | $399 ($429 non-member)
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July 15–19
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Aug 5–9
Outdoor Living Skills
Participants discover the finer points of preparing for a big outdoor adventure while learning various practical camping skills, including building a fire, making camp shelters, knot tying, campfire cooking, and more!
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 24–28
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July 8–12
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 12–16
Grades 4–6 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 24–28
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July 8–12
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Aug 12–16
STEAM
Participants will spend the week engaged in hands-on, interactive projects. There will be lots of learning, using their imaginations, and exploring the indoors and outdoors at camp!
Grades 4–6 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 12–16
Outdoor Action
Archery / Slingshot
Participants learn the fundamentals of archery, examine equipment close-up, and learn the science behind target shooting. Instructors teach proper grip, stance, and aim alignment. YMCA of the North provides equipment.
Grades 1–3 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 15–19
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 12–16
Grades 4–6 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 8–12
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July 22–26
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 19-23
Climbing / Challenge
Learn about basic climbing, belay techniques, knot tying, and safety. Challenge participants to test their strengths, strategy, and skill on our ropes courses.
Grades 4–6 | $399 ($429 non-member)
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June 17–21
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $239 ($257 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
Water Action
Canoe / Kayak
Participants spend the whole week enjoying an incredible array of water activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming, along with other fun water games and adventures.
Grades 4–6 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 24–28
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 19-23
Fishing
Kids get hooked on fishing as they learn basic fishing skills. Local lakes and rivers provide the scene for fishing fun using the catch-and-release method. Campers can bring their pole and tackle or use equipment provided by YMCA of the North.
Grades 4–6 | $399 ($429 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 17–21
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June 24–28
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July 1–3 | $239 ($257 non-member)
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July 8–12
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July 15–19
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
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Aug 19-23
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Aug 26-30
Sailing
Each day young sailors learn the basics of sailing and safety with YMCA instructors. Participants will be taught techniques and terminology for operating our fleet of sailboats as they practice their skills.
Grades 4–6 | $399 ($429 non-member)
The sailing camp will take daily field trips to Wayzata Community Sailing Center.
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June 10–14
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July 29–Aug 2
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Aug 12–16
Teen and Leadership
Teen Artist
Self-expression comes to life in this creative art camp! Your imagination becomes the window of discovery as you create original art. You will create masterpieces to take home and enjoy!
Grades 7–9 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 10–14
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June 24–28
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
Teen Canoe / Kayak
Embark on a canoeing/kayaking excursion full of adventure. Develop your paddling skills on the St. Croix River and learn boating safety as you experience the challenge of navigating the water!
Grades 7–9 | $359 ($389 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 22–26
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July 29–Aug 2
Teen Content Creator
Participants in the Content Creator camp will use their creativity to highlight the camp experience through video-making. Instructors will emphasize responsible technology and collaboration with other campers and staff. Bring a tablet to take videos during the week, if possible.
Grades 7–9 | $399 ($429 non-member)
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June 17–21
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July 8–12
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July 29–Aug 2
Teen Lake Exploration
Participants learn about our local lake ecology through fishing, sailing, STEM, and water study. This experience features a daily field trip to area lakes sites to enjoy on-the-water programming.
Grades 7–9 | $399 ($429 non-member)
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June 24–28
Teen Quest
Teen Quest is an exciting day camp program geared toward teens that want real outdoor fun! As a group quest, you will decide and plan out some of the camp activities and events throughout the week. This program develops valuable life skills such as open communication, team building, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Grades 7–9 | $359 ($389 non-member)
Teen Quest campers will have a climbing experience at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi on Friday.
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June 17–21
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July 1–3 | $215 ($233 non-member)
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July 15–19
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Aug 5–9
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Aug 12–16
Leaders-In-Training
Discover your leadership qualities by learning to lead campers in activities and assist in planning the week for your group! The second week allows you to put those new skills to the test while you shadow a counselor and assist staff in camp activities.
Grades 7–9 | $499 ($529 non-member)
Experience camp from a new perspective, including doing an overnight sleepover at camp (on the second Monday of their LIT session) and a field trip to Camp Ihduhapi.
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June 10–21
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June 24–July 3 | $422 ($449 non-member)
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July 8–19
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July 22–Aug 2
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Aug 5–16
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Aug 19–30
Junior Counselor
Do you love working with kids in an outdoor camp setting? Here's your chance to take a leadership role! Junior Counselors are assigned to a group and assist Counselors in leading and carrying out various Day Camp programs.
Ages 14–15
Previous experience in a LIT program or leadership experience working with children is preferred. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process while gaining career readiness experience.
Contact Max Ostenso for more information: maxwell.ostenso@ymcamn.org or 763-230-6549.
A day camp lead staff member will reach out for an interview around mid-March to talk over details and information about the program. We ask for a minimum of a 3-week commitment. Hope to see you this summer!
Campers attending specialty camps will enjoy other traditional camp activities throughout the week.
Making adventure more accessible
Everyone deserves access to programs and services that help them reach their full potential. That's why we offer need-based financial assistance to help people participate in our programs regardless of their income.
Here to Help
Have a question or need assistance?
Our customer service team is always happy to help.